100% Cotton Fabric

Yes, absolutely. Because these natural plant fibres are prone to shrinking the first time they meet hot water and agitation, pre-wash your material on your normal machine cycle. Dry it exactly as you intend to dry the finished piece before cutting your pattern.

The difference lies in the weight and drape. Poplin is a medium-weight plain cotton that holds its shape incredibly well – perfect for structured shirts, crafts, and beginner sewing projects. Lawn is woven with finer, higher-count threads, resulting in a lightweight, slightly translucent finish with a buttery-soft drape ideal for summer blouses and flowing dresses.

There is no better choice for a beginner! Medium-weight wovens (like poplin and calico) have excellent stability. They do not stretch out of shape while you sew, they grip pins perfectly, and they take a hot iron beautifully, allowing you to press crisp, sharp seams. For a more budget-friendly practice run, you can also explore our polycotton blends.

The amount depends entirely on your specific pattern and the width of the roll. A simple, sleeveless summer shift cotton dress might only require 1.5 to 2 metres of a standard 114cm wide material. However, a full-length dress pattern with sleeves and a gathered skirt could require upwards of 4 metres. Always consult the requirements chart on the back of your chosen envelope and compare it to the width listed on our product page.